Across Central Florida, there's a big difference in the condition of train stations owned by railroad giant CSX and those owned by their host cities. City-owned stations in Winter Park and Lakeland are in good condition, while CSX-owned depots lag in renovations and repair, sometimes badly.

Sanford's passenger station is closing Monday because Amtrak complains that CSX refuses to do the work necessary to keep it up.

CSX argues that while it owns the station buildings in DeLand, Sanford, Orlando, Kissimmee and Winter Haven, Amtrak leases those depots and is responsible for their upkeep.

As the two dicker, passengers note the disrepair and lack of upgrades. Many are unhappy about it.

Dave Robinson of St. Cloud, who has had both legs amputated, was upset to find last week that Kissimmee's station does not have disabled access.

"They had to carry me in the chair into the place," he said while waiting to board a train to Virginia."I'm sure I'm not the only handicapped person in town who uses it."

An Amtrak station agent said the building was "grandfathered in" when the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, and is exempt from being forced to install a ramp. The ADA says buildings constructed before 1992 are required to make a reasonable attempt to comply with the law unless the cost is prohibitive. Such buildings must be brought into compliance when they are sold or remodeled.

Still, Diane English of Clermont uses it regularly to travel to Savannah, Ga., for weekend getaways.

"There is less traffic, and I don't have to drive," she said. "As far as the station itself, it could be upgraded. But the people are friendly and courteous."

The DeLand station also is run-down, but the county in 2004 approved using a $424,000 state grant for renovation.

Built in 1918, the station looks rusty and has peeling paint. It caught fire in 1982 and has never really recovered, according to county historic preservation planner Tom Scofield.

Half the building had to be sectioned off because of fire damage. Temporary repairs were made in the late 1980s, but they were never meant to be permanent, Scofield said.

"The bathrooms have been a nightmare forever," he added.

The parking lot is full of potholes, and there is no sign telling travelers they've arrived at the station -- only two bent metal poles on the side of the property.

Neither Amtrak nor CSX has committed funds toward renovations, which will include a new roof and a repaired platform, interior features and canopy. But there is no money to fix the potholes.

The CSX-owned Sanford Mainline Station is in such bad shape that it is closing, but the nearby Auto Train station will remain open. The decrepit Sanford Mainline has not been staffed for 10 years. On Monday, Amtrak trains will no longer stop there.

CSX officials say it's not up to the company to keep up any of the stations it owns.

"It is our position that Amtrak is responsible for maintenance of their stations," CSX spokesperson Meg Scheu said last week.

Scheu said the company has no plans to update or renovate any of the stations.

In contrast, Lakeland's city-owned station is practically brand-new and worlds away in appearance from most other train depots.

The two-story station, built in 1998 with the help of a federal grant, has manicured landscaping, palm trees and attractive benches and brick walkways. A carport for unloading and loading luggage sits in front of the building.

Disabled access is provided through elevators. Water fountains and security cameras are abundant.

"We don't look at it as a profit center, but as a gateway to the city," Lakeland spokesman Kevin Cook said.

The city chose to build a station because of its desire to retain ownership. Officials had been told the city would lose the old station because of its condition, he said.

Station agent Jim Ed said passengers love the new depot.

"The city does a great job of maintaining it and keeping it nice," he said.

Winter Park's well-kept Amtrak station sits a block off downtown in a peaceful setting. The city has owned the station since 1992.

Orlando resident Alma Jones often uses the Winter Park station to travel to medical appointments in Sebring.

"I like a smaller station better, because the people are friendlier and no matter how long the wait is, they are pleasant," she said.

CSX owns the Winter Haven station, tucked in an industrial park off U.S. Highway 17. The station did not appear to have damage last week. It sports a Mediterranean-style orange tiled roof and tiled walls.